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How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door issues are simple to fix, especially if you can do the work yourself. Sometimes a project just cannot be accomplished without assistance.
Most of the time, the reason for sticking doors is that the hinges have to be re-tightened or moved. If the problem continues, you may have to plane or sand the latch side of your door.
Inspect the Door
Many homeowners clean out their yards and check their doors as the weather gets cooler. This annual inspection should not just look for signs of damage but also reveal any areas that aren't working as they should.
Check for corrosion and rust on door hardware, such as hinges, and on the frame. Similarly, check for broken or damaged weather stripping. This helps keep drafts from the home and stops air leaks that could make a home less energy efficient.
Be aware of any doors that are sticking, particularly after a wind event. A door that is stuck is more difficult to open and close, which causes wear every time it's used and can lead to higher repair costs down the road. This kind of issue could be caused by swollen wood, which happens when humidity alters the moisture content of the door's wood. A simple test with the aid of a hygrometer will help determine the root of the problem.
If your door is becoming swollen and you are unable to close it, you can use a screwdriver to tighten the hinge screws. If the problem continues, you can try shimming the hinges or replacing them.
It is important to examine the door for cosmetic damages. While minor scratches and dents are expected in time, any major damage that wasn't there before should be repaired as soon as is possible.
While it's possible to fix the door that has a significant crack, all cracks in the wood should be filled in and painted as soon as is possible to avoid further issues. Any wood rot needs to be replaced as well to ensure the strength of the structure. If you find serious structural issues with doors, it's recommended to call a trained door systems technician to assess and repair any necessary damage.
Tighten the Hinges
It's common for screws on door hinges to loosen up over time however if you leave them in place for too long, it could damage the hinge and cause the screw holes to become stripped. The screws can be tightened manually or using the aid of a power drill. Be careful not to bend the door hinge and take out the pins.
Find the sticking points first, and then decide what to do. If the door rubs on the top or drags, you could countersink a long screw onto the hinge's latch side (the side that is attached to the strike plate). This will make the gap bit larger and usually solves the problem.
This can also resolve the problem. Another option is to take off the hinge pins, hammer them so they are more spread apart and then replace them. However, this isn't recommended since it can damage the hinge and should only be done if the door doesn't shut properly.
Another issue that could be a problem is a screw that does not tighten, which can be caused by a damaged screw hole or a sliding doorframe. In this case, insert the wood plug (or match) coated with carpenter's glue in the screw hole. Let it dry before reattaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and strengthen the area so that the screw can grip. Repeat as necessary to fill any remaining screw holes that won't tighten. Close the door and check to determine if it closes properly. If the problem persists, you may have to keep attempting to solve the issue. It is best to begin with the simplest solutions first and then move on to more complex repairs if needed.
Shim the Hinges
When the gap between the jamb and door is too large (a condition referred to as a toe-in) shifting the hinges can aid in ensuring that the door is straight. This can be accomplished by placing a small wedge of wood or cardboard under the hinge on the jamb side and adding one or more thin wooden shims between the hinge and the door frame. The shims push the hinge leaf from the door frame and close the gap, eliminating the binding.
It's not an easy process however, with a bit of care you can do it without damaging the door or hinge. It is recommended to remove the screws from each hinge before shifting (Knowledge How to remove the Pin from a Door Hinge). It might be necessary to pull the door off of its hinges to avoid unscrewing.
upvc door repair 'll need to open and close the door a number of times after the hinges have been shifted to make sure they're working correctly. If the door still sticks, you can add shims to fill in the gaps between the hinge and the door.
Another way to fix the binding hinge is to make the mortise wider. This can be accomplished by scraping out the hole with a chisel and filling it in with wood putty. Make sure you sand and paint the putty before putting it on the hinge so that it matches the rest of the frame. This isn't as precise as shimming but it's a simple fix for hinges that are out of alignment. It's also less destructive than trying to rehang the door.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door remains stuck after closing hinges and shimming it, the jamb may be out of alignment. This can be fixed by tapping gently on wooden shims at the latch's edge to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Measure the shims using a carpenter’s square, and then move them around the frame to ensure it is plumb.
After you've shimmied the door frame, you are able to tighten screws that hold the strikeplate to the latch side, to keep it from rubbing against the latch. You can use either the manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill to accomplish this, depending on the extent of the damage.
Sometimes, nicks, dents and gouges in the frame may cause it to bind against the door. If there are just a few minor dents on the frame, you can fill in the surface by using a wood filler that is compatible with the trim around the door. Sand it down and then paint or stain it. If the dents are deeper they may require you to replace the damaged section of the jamb.
If you've tried sanding or filling your door and it continues to lock, it's time to get rid of the door and start working on the frame from scratch. It's best to do this in the event that you have the money to buy new components and do it correctly however, sometimes you'll be able to save the door by working on small sections of the frame without completely taking it off. Be cautious not to compromise the strength of the frame, especially if you're dealing with older wood which has been exposed to moisture over time.
Adjust the Strike Plate
The strike plate is able to catch the door bolt and holds the door in a closed position. The movement and setting of doors over time could cause the strike plate to misalign with the latch. If the latch does not fit into the strikeplate, it won't close, which could lead to burglaries and door kick-ins. To fix this, tighten the screws holding the strike plate. If it doesn't work, then shifting the hinges or adding wood fill can help.
Apply a thin strip of lipstick or any other marking substance on the latch before adjusting the strike plate. Close the door, and then open it. If the lipstick marks show that the latch is touching above or below the strike plate's hole, it may be a problem with sagging hinges rather than the strike plate's position.
If the marks suggest that the latch is too low or high in the strike plate hole, you can use a small piece of cardboard to fit into the hinge mortise and then replace the hinge. This can often resolve the issue, especially if it's caused by sunken or hinges that are recessed or sunken. It can also make it easier to do repairs that look professional.
To adjust the strike plate, remove it from the jamb on the door and then use a file to enlarge the hole in the jamb that the strike plate will go. A half-round file is the best since it matches the shape of the hole to accommodate the strike plate. Close the door, reinstall the strikeplate and check if the latch now clears the strike plate hole correctly. If the latch is not clearing the hole, use a chisel to alter the shape of the jamb where it meets the strike plate.